When Does Your Amazon Pre-Ordered Game Actually Arrive?
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When you pre-order a game on Amazon, the anticipation can be intense. The simple answer to when it arrives is: on the release date, if you’ve selected Release-Day Delivery. Amazon aims to deliver your pre-ordered game to you on the day it is officially released to the public. This is applicable to both physical copies of games and digital downloads. However, several factors can influence the exact timing of your delivery. To ensure you receive your game on release day, it’s crucial to understand how Amazon handles pre-orders.
How Amazon Handles Release-Day Delivery
The Dispatch Process
Amazon doesn’t wait until the release date to begin the shipping process. Instead, for physical games, they will typically dispatch your order before the release day. This allows the package to arrive on your doorstep, or within your designated delivery window, precisely on the official launch date. Amazon will choose the appropriate shipping speed from either Standard Delivery, One-Day, or Premium Delivery to achieve the desired arrival date.
Digital Downloads
For digital games and software downloads, the process differs significantly. You won’t receive a physical package. Instead, the game is usually made available for download on the release date. Often, pre-loading is an option, where the download starts before the official launch day, enabling you to play as soon as the game unlocks.
Pre-Order Price Guarantee
A significant advantage of pre-ordering on Amazon is their Pre-Order Price Guarantee. You’re not locked into the price you see when you place the pre-order. Amazon will charge you the lowest price offered between the time you place your order and the end of the day of the release date. If the price goes down, you get the cheaper price.
Delivery Timeframes
Physical Games
While the goal is release-day delivery, using ground shipping, you should receive your physical game within 3-5 business days of its release. However, in rare cases, it may take up to 10 days. Delivery times can vary depending on the delivery method chosen, your location, and any unforeseen circumstances, such as weather delays or shipping issues. Keep an eye on the tracking information provided by Amazon to stay updated on the status of your order. Remember Amazon delivery times can range from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. local time.
Digital Games
For digital pre-orders, the game will become available for download and play on the release date. If pre-loading is available, you’ll be able to download the game before launch day and then a small update will allow you to start playing when it becomes officially available.
Amazon Games & Post Release
It’s important to note that games developed and/or published by Amazon Games purchased on Amazon, are non-returnable and non-refundable after release. This differs from standard third-party published games.
Understanding Pre-Order Payment
When Are You Charged?
Amazon doesn’t charge you immediately when you place a pre-order. Instead, they will authorize your payment method to make sure funds are available. The actual charge will typically occur a few days before the item is released or when the item ships. This is another benefit, as you don’t have to pay months in advance for your pre-order.
Keeping Track of Authorizations
Keep in mind that some banks might temporarily hold funds as part of these authorization checks, even if your order is cancelled. These holds usually disappear after a few days.
Pre-Loading & Release Day
Preparing to Play
If you pre-ordered a digital game, it will often be available for pre-load before the release date. This allows you to download the game, so you’re ready to play when it goes live. This is particularly useful when games have large file sizes and avoids a long download on release day. On release day, a small update usually unlocks the game for play.
Checking Auto-Download
When you pre-order a digital game, you’ll often see a list of contents associated with your pre-order. If auto-download is selected, your content will automatically download once available.
Summary
In summary, your pre-ordered game from Amazon should arrive on the release day when using the Release-Day Delivery option for physical copies or be available for digital download on the release date. Remember to track your order, be aware of payment timing, and, if possible, take advantage of pre-loading options for digital titles. By understanding these factors, you can manage your expectations and make sure you’re ready to play your new game as soon as it’s available.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some commonly asked questions regarding pre-ordering games on Amazon:
1. Does pre-ordering a game guarantee I’ll get it on release day?
Yes, if you select Release-Day Delivery, Amazon aims to deliver your game on the release day. However, unexpected issues can sometimes cause slight delays.
2. Can I pre-order digital and physical games on Amazon?
Yes, you can pre-order both physical copies (like discs or cartridges) and digital downloads of games on Amazon.
3. What happens if the price of the game drops after I pre-order?
Amazon’s Pre-Order Price Guarantee ensures you get the lowest price offered between the time you order and the end of the release day.
4. When will I be charged for my pre-ordered game?
You’ll be charged a few days before the release date or around the time of shipping, not immediately when you place your order.
5. How long does it take for a physical pre-ordered game to arrive?
Using standard shipping, you can expect delivery within 3–5 business days of its release, with a chance of up to 10 days in rare cases.
6. Can I cancel my pre-order on Amazon?
Yes, pre-orders can be cancelled at any time before the release date for any reason.
7. Can I get a refund on a pre-ordered game?
For games not developed or published by Amazon, you can often get a refund within two weeks of the game’s release provided it has been played for less than two hours. Games developed and/or published by Amazon games are non-returnable and non-refundable after release.
8. Do digital pre-orders automatically download on release day?
Not always. Many digital pre-orders offer pre-loading, where you can download the game beforehand and begin playing after a small update on release day. Check your game settings to ensure auto-download is enabled.
9. Is pre-ordering more expensive than buying a game on release day?
Generally, no. In most cases, pre-orders cost the same, if not a little less, than the price on release day. Bundles or special editions could have different pricing.
10. Does pre-ordering a game mean I own it, even if it’s not released?
Yes. A pre-order reserves a copy of the game for you, but you don’t officially own it until the charge is processed and the product ships (or becomes downloadable).
11. What happens to games I’ve claimed through Amazon Prime if I cancel my membership?
You can still download and play the games you have previously claimed as part of your Prime membership.
12. What is the latest I can expect an Amazon delivery?
Amazon deliveries can occur between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. local time, though drivers typically contact you only between 8:00 am and 8:00 pm, unless a signature is required.
13. What happens if my payment fails to process for my pre-order?
If your payment fails to process before release, your pre-order is likely to be cancelled.
14. How do I pre-order digital games on Amazon?
Simply go to the Amazon website, search for the game, select the digital edition and complete your pre-order.
15. Should I pre-order a game or wait?
That’s a personal choice. Pre-ordering ensures you get the game on day one and might offer special bonuses, but waiting allows you to read reviews and see if any bugs or problems arise with the release.